County Solar Co-op makes bulk purchase possible

FL SUN, Orange County and the League of Women Voters Florida have organized more than 220 residents in the area to go solar together. After a competitive bidding process, the group of homeowners selected ESA Renewables, LLC,to install systems for all of the participants. Organized with the help of the Orange County Government and the League of the Women Voters of Florida, the collaboration is enabling participating homeowners to install solar panels on their homes at discounted rates.

The participating homeowners worked with local nonprofit FL SUN to solicit competitive bids from more than a dozen local installers on the group’s behalf. The selection committee, made up of co-op members, chose an installer they felt had the best experience, capacity and pricing to serve the group.

We diligently reviewed all the options and came to a unanimous conclusion, reviewing all the variables,” said Randa Black, a homeowner and member of the Orange County co-op. “Out of 15 potential vendors, we walked through the steps and looked at the variables and ESA Renewables was the obvious choice taking into account trust, experience and price.”

Florida-based solar provider ESA Renewables’ experience and history of success was the major deciding factor in their selection. Participants in the program will have their own system installed through individual contracts with the company.

“Millions of Americans are realizing that solar power is not only environmentally friendly, but also a smart financial decision for their family,” said Daniel Ros, CEO at ESA Renewables. “We look forward to helping so many Orange County residents take charge of their energy needs as we work together to power their future. The collaboration between ESA, FL SUN, Orange County Government and the League of Women Voters of Florida presents a promising opportunity for Central Florida and we are proud to be part of the joint efforts to move towards sustainable energy.”

The bulk purchase program will be open and available to new participants through November 30. Participation is open to all Orange County residents. Visit www.flsun.org/orange-county to learn more about solar and to sign up to join the group.

“This is the fourth bulk purchase we’ve helped organize in Florida in the past year and we continue to be amazed by enthusiasm we’ve received from homeowners,” said Angela DeMonbreun, FL SUN Program Director of FL SUN. “Going solar as part of a group makes the process much easier to navigate. Participants can rely on each other while saving money.”

Residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up for more information at www.flsun.org/orange-county. Joining the co-op is not a commitment to purchase panels.

Orange County Division of Building Safety as a member of the GoSolar Florida offers Fast Track solar permit processing that contractors can apply for online including submittal of their Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) approved drawings. In addition only two inspections are required to streamline the process and minimum fees are charged for this service. For additional information please email permittingservices@ocfl.net.